Breakfast in Columbus, Ohio and beyond

Three to Try: Good For Groups

I get asked this a lot, and honestly, I personally need to know this as we often have big groups of family visiting us in Columbus.

1. Nada – It’s easy to get stuck in a rut when searching for restaurants suitable for big groups. More often than not, the places with the space for a large get-together serve simple breakfast menus: eggs, bacon, pancakes, coffee… Not so with Nada. This Cincinnati-based restaurant joined the Columbus scene earlier this year, and we’ve enjoyed every single visit. Go early during brunch hours and there’s plenty of space. The restaurant is beautifully decorated, and the brunch menu delightfully eclectic: boozy cocktails, tacos with pork belly, benedicts with goetta. It’s the perfect conversation-inducing backdrop for a big group.

2. Mozart’s – If you’ve never visited Mozart’s newer space up High Street, on the Beechwold end of Clintonville, it’s time to go. Back in 2013 the owners took over the historic building (it dates back to 1930) and restored it to its former glory. There’s a giant dining room, little alcoves with tables for two, and a full ballroom. There’s also a shelf stocked with kid’s books, and in the ballroom is a table of Legos that highlights their Million Lego For Kids organization. The Sunday menu features schnitzel, quiche, waffles – plus there’s live music and lots of gorgeous pastries. Mozart’s is a stop on my Columbus Food Adventures brunch tour! (*cough* tickets are available for the October tour *cough*)

3. Hungry Soul Cafe – You’ve probably heard me recommend Hungry Soul before – they’re a regular stop on my brunch tour as well, and they’re one of my favorite discoveries from last year. The long restaurant space sits at the bottom of a parking garage downtown, but it’s cozy and welcoming. You can’t go wrong with their weekend brunch (now offered Saturday and Sunday): big waffles, omelets, some of my favorite biscuits and gravy in town, Hungarian crepes, and inexpensive cocktails. Tell George and Anita I said hi! UPDATE: Hungry Soul has closed!

And remember… if you’re coming in with a big group, do them a solid and call first. Also, let them know well ahead of time of any dietary concerns.